1629. Robert Southey to John Rickman, 16 May [1809]
1629. Robert Southey to John Rickman, 16 May [1809] *
My dear Rickman
I had yesterday a visit from the Scotch Bookseller Ballantyne , who in consequence of something which I said in a letter to W Scott has formally proposed to me to undertake a Review of old Books – i.e of all except contemporary ones, – to come forth quarterly in crown number, the Editorship 100 £ a year, the writing ten guineas per sheet. [1] I believe I have christened it by the heathen name of Rhadamanthus. [2]
Such a volume would suit me better than any other lucre-of-gain work, inasmuch I should do exactly what pleased me, & having the power editorial in my own hands should be in no danger of mutilation, – xxxxx If it takes effect as I believe it will, can you create time to send some sound opinions into the world thro this medium? taking what text you will – There is Herodotus who wants to be read by you – save time by reading Littleburys translation [3] which is a solid one, – & have the original to refer to every notable passage. There is Homer upon whom you would throw more light than all the Commentators; – if you will examine him in your point of view, I will anatomize Popes version [4] – which I have long considered as the original sin of xxx our poetry. But above all, what I should most desire from you should be <is> something upon those political principles which are universal.
I shall go to Wm T. for some of his politics, – his oddities. To the Rose of Sharon for a Saga, & a Welsh bard, & when things are fairly arranged I will endeavour to persuade Lamb to put some money in his pocket by this easy way, for in no other manner can so much be got by authorship – unless a man had Scotts Goose, – who lays bigger eggs than ever. [5]
This Chapter 12 is for Hereford as before. [6]
I am xxxx writing in thunder lightning & in haste. – You will perceive that I have used Drake [7] & Cavendish [8] no better than the Capitaneus, & moreover that I have fallen foul of Ralegh, [9] – whom – sorry & I am to say – one of my supplementary notes proves to be a liar.
Remember me to Mrs R
yrs very truly
RS.
May 16.
Notes
* Address: To/ John Rickman Esqr
Endorsement: RS./ 16 May 1809
MS: Huntington Library, RS 142. ALS; 4p.
Unpublished
Dating note: date from JR’s
endorsement BACK
[2] In Greek mythology Rhadamanthus was a wise king who was one of the judges of the dead. Southey’s plans for this periodical were never fulfilled. BACK
[4] Alexander Pope’s (1688–1744; DNB) translation of Homer’s Iliad (1715–1720) and Odyssey (1726). BACK
[6] Of the first volume of the History of Brazil (1810) to be sent to his uncle Herbert Hill. BACK
[7] Sir Francis Drake (1540–1596; DNB) is mentioned in Southey’s The History of Brazil, 3 vols (London, 1810–1819), I, pp. 355–356. BACK
[8] Thomas Cavendish (bap. 1560–1592; DNB), explorer, whose privateering activities on the coast of South America are described in The History of Brazil, I, pp. 359–364. BACK
[9] Sir Walter Ralegh (1554–1618; DNB), courtier, explorer, and author, who aspired to increase British wealth through his voyages to the New World, and create a colonial empire on the north coast of South America. The note Southey refers to is in The History of Brazil (London, 1810), I, pp. 652–653. BACK
